maternity allowance help

jodester1980

Hi

I dont know if anyone can help me but i feel like im banging my head against a brick wall.
I started my maternity leave from work 6th august and i am not entitled to smp from employer but my employer will not send me form smp1 so that i can claim from the government.
I must have phoned over 50 times, wrote 2 letters and im lucky if they even phone me back, they reckon they sent me the form over 2 weeks ago but guess what i still didn't receive it.
The Maternity allowance passed me through to an smp helpline who then passed me through to someone else and basically i just dont know where to turn, i really am at the end of my tether with it. I don't need the stress.
Has anyone got any advice on what to do from here, can i report my employer to someone and if so who??
cheers in advance

Jules

I don't know much about Maternity benefits but I think a trip to CAB and have them ring your employer on your behalf. This might make them sit up and take notice.
If you don't mind me asking but why aren't you entitled to SMP from your employer?
Please try not to get stressed out, it's not worth making yourself ill over.

Once you get the form etc from your employer and get the maternity pay issue sorted then you could possibly raise a grievance with your employer, CAB can advise you on how to go about this too.

Get down to CAB 1st thing tomorrow and get the ball rolling.
Jules

Chazpots

Hi there,

I'm sorry you're having such trouble trying to get an SMP1. I'm sure it's the last thing you need right now. Can I suggest a couple of things. Have you tried getting in touch with HMRC? You employer has an obligation to return the form to you. My understanding is that they can receive penalties from HMRC for falling to operate SMP correctly - You might like to remind your employer of this.

Another option you have is to fill out form MA1 which is the application form for Maternity Allowance. This is probably your stress free easier option. DWP can contact your employer on receipt of your claim and can confirm that you are not entitled to SMP. You can download the form (I've provided a link - hope it works).

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_008115.xml.html

At least this way you get the ball rolling thus avoiding any further stressful contact with your employer etc. I know what I would do...

I hope this helps.
Chaz